Erasing Boundaries: Lawrence County at 200
The Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives (NEARA) and the Arkansas History Commission will be hosting a symposium on Thursday, January 15th from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Courthouse and at the Male and Female Academy on the grounds of the Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan.
The event, which marks the 200th birthday of Lawrence County, will feature a variety of speakers presenting on a number of topics about Lawrence County’s early territorial days, including travel and settlements, foodways, archeological exploration of the area, religion and the lives of farmers, women and African Americans in Lawrence County. There will also be a discussion about archival resources pertaining to Lawrence County and the annual NEARA research award.
Lawrence County’s history is significant. Established on January 15, 1815, as part of Missouri Territory, Lawrence County is often referred to as the Mother of Counties because it once covered most of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri.
The symposium is free but registration is required. Check-in will begin at 9:15 a.m. Lunch will be provided. Teachers can earn up to 6 professional development hours through attendance. Registration is limited and deadline for registration is January 12th, so be sure to make reservations soon.
The Arkansas History Commission, located in Little Rock, is the official state archives of Arkansas and maintains the largest collection of historical materials on Arkansas in the world. The Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives is a branch of the Arkansas History Commission and is dedicated to collecting and preserving primary source materials that represent the unique history, culture and heritage of northeast Arkansas. Located at 11 Seventh Street in Powhatan, NEARA has been open since 2011.
For more information about the symposium or to register, please contact tatyana.oyinloye@arkansas.gov or call 501-682-6892. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and the Department of Arkansas Heritage.